Chelsea have had an interest in signing Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder Jude Bellingham for “many years” and still have an interest in the former Birmingham City star, according to journalist Simon Phillips.
The 19-year-old has been linked with a multitude of Premier League clubs over the summer with the Blues being one of these sides.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
What’s the latest news on Bellingham?
According to The Athletic, five European clubs are interested in securing Bellingham’s signature next summer which includes, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
However, the same report also suggests that Dortmund are not resigned to losing the midfielder next year, and are planning to offer him a new contract extension with improved terms during the current season.
The Stourbridge-born midfielder made the move from Birmingham to the Bundesliga giants in the summer of 2020 as a 17-year-old, in a deal which could rise to £30m.
And Phillips says that Chelsea have been interested in the young star for many years, and are still keen on adding him to Graham Potter’s squad now.
What has Phillips said about Bellingham?
He told GIVEMESPORT: “Chelsea have been interested in Jude Bellingham for many years.
“They wanted him before he went to Dortmund and they're still very keen on signing him now.”
Would Bellingham be a good signing for Chelsea?
There are a number of reasons as to why Chelsea are one of four Premier League clubs desperate to secure Bellingham’s signature next summer.
At just 19-years-old the 15-time England international has made 144 senior club career appearances already, scoring 17 goals and providing 20 assists from midfield in that time according to Transfermarkt, showing that despite his age, he would still be arriving in the Premier League with a wealth of experience under his belt.
As a midfielder, Bellingham is an effective presence in the centre of the park when his team are trying to drive the ball forward, ranking in the top 3% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for both dribbles completed (1.78) and touches in the opposition penalty area (3.55) per 90 minutes, according to FBref.
As well as this, the 6 foot 1 midfielder is a clear threat when in front of goal, ranking the top 6% of midfielders for non-penalty expected goals per 90 (0.18), according to the same stats provider.
The starlet is also a full England international, which for Premier League sides especially represents an extra number on the club’s home-grown quota, something which Chelsea, Liverpool, and both Manchester clubs will be desperate not to lose.
Therefore, Bellingham is likely to represent an excellent signing for Potter’s side if he arrives at Stamford Bridge next summer, though the west London side will have to be prepared to pay around £133m for the midfielder next summer